Marius, Head of AI, on his role as a maker in the team
At Kloepfel Group, we are the place for makers. THE MAKER’S PLACE stands for pragmatic procurement consulting and results-oriented solutions—developed by makers for makers.
Marius Hoppensack, Head of AI at Kloepfel Consulting, develops practical AI solutions with his team to sustainably strengthen companies. His area of expertise includes AI best practices, AI potential analyses, customized AI software solutions, as well as AI workshops and training. In this interview, he talks about his “I’ll do it” story, the dynamics at Kloepfel, and why now is the right time to integrate AI into businesses.
The Art of Making – or the Power of The Maker’s Place
1. What is your “I’ll do it” story?
As Head of AI at Kloepfel Consulting, my mission is to take companies to the next level with customized AI consulting. AI is everywhere today—whether in search engines, digital assistants, or complex corporate processes. Yet, few companies fully leverage its potential. That’s where we come in: We analyze processes, identify efficiency potentials, and implement tailored AI solutions. One particularly exciting development: As of February 2, 2025, AI training is mandatory for companies using AI. That’s why we don’t just offer consulting but also hands-on training—both online and on-site. Our goal? To prepare businesses for the AI future—efficiently, sustainably, and innovatively.
Challenges – Relevant Megatrends
2. The economy is facing major challenges. Why is now the right time to work with you?
Current challenges, including rising costs, volatile markets, and digitalization, demand smart solutions. This is where our AI consulting comes in: We help companies work more efficiently and overcome bottlenecks—practically and hands-on. Procurement, in particular, is often understaffed, and AI can automate time-consuming tasks. Studies show that AI-supported teams achieve up to 90% better results in less time. We see this as a revolution similar to the introduction of the internet in everyday work, and we want to help companies get on board with AI. Additionally, we enable businesses to retain knowledge by transferring it into AI systems—an ideal solution for companies preparing for workforce changes.
3. Which global megatrends have the biggest impact on your field—such as digitalization, skills shortages, geopolitical crises, and sustainability?
Digitalization and the skills shortage are the strongest drivers of AI solutions. Since 2023, large language models and algorithmic developments have made enormous progress, and by 2024, the technology has evolved to the point where it is now broadly applicable. Many companies ask: “If AI is so simple, why isn’t everyone using it?” The answer: Because AI has only recently reached the maturity level required for professional use. The solutions and change management are now following, allowing business processes to be optimized. Additionally, AI helps mitigate the skills shortage by automating repetitive tasks. Companies that ignore AI now risk falling behind the competition.
My Career as a Maker
4. Can you tell us about a project that showcases how Kloepfel solves customer problems?
An example from the chemical industry highlights the real value we create with AI. Our client faced major challenges in procuring MRO supplies (maintenance, repair, operations), particularly due to poor data quality and inefficient processes. We developed an OCR solution that automatically reads invoices, structures the data, and links it to AI to identify alternative suppliers. The result: around 20% savings through better tenders and optimized supplier selection. We developed the first prototypes within 10 days—a speed that impressed the client. Their feedback: “We’ve never seen a solution like this before.”
5. What advice would you give to someone starting a career in consulting?
A job in consulting is particularly exciting because you are always at the forefront of new developments. New technologies and innovative solutions must not only be understood theoretically but also implemented practically. This means that analytical thinking and execution skills are crucial. It’s also important to work well with people and communicate changes convincingly—after all, we advise experts in their fields. Listening, continuous learning, and enjoying the process are essential skills. If you’re curious and love solving problems, this is the right place for you. Every client is unique, which makes the job so diverse and exciting.
6. What does a typical workday look like for you?
My typical workday starts with checking emails since I work internationally and want to ensure no one is waiting unnecessarily for a response. After that, I prioritize my to-do list: What’s most important? What’s strategic? I focus not only on completing short-term tasks but also on creating long-term, efficient processes. A significant part of my day is spent on software development—often for several hours—to optimize workflows. Creativity plays a major role, as I have to develop solutions that are both customized for clients and scalable. At the office, I enjoy exchanging ideas with colleagues to learn from their experiences. In the evening, I often have meetings focused on strategy and ongoing projects.
The Person Behind the Maker
7. What was your last personal highlight at Kloepfel?
A special highlight was our last Christmas party. It was not only an opportunity to meet outside of work but also to celebrate the year together. The lively atmosphere made it a lot of fun. Aside from events, project success moments excite me the most. When I develop software that automates tasks that used to take days, that’s a real achievement for me. It constantly reminds me why I’m in the right place: because I can create real value—for businesses and people.
8. What do you appreciate most about your team? 
What I particularly appreciate about my team at Kloepfel Consulting is the perfect mix of professionalism and ease. We work with high concentration, everyone is motivated, and we all want to make an impact. At the same time, there’s always room for humor—nobody shies away from a lighthearted joke. This creates an atmosphere where you feel comfortable. The combination of ambition, camaraderie, and fun is extremely valuable to me—it’s what inspires me every day.
9. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever got wasn’t a single sentence but an experience. At 16, I was invited to an event in South Africa as a professional mountain biker. On the way there, we drove past massive slums—endless rows of tin huts, people sitting by the roadside. Later, we met homeless children who were amazing musicians, full of joy despite their incredibly tough daily lives. It was only through this encounter that we truly realized the extreme conditions they lived in. That experience taught me how lucky we are to live in a place like Germany.
10. What three things (or apps) can you not live without?
My personal survival kit for the business world? Without a doubt: DeepSeek/ChatGPT, because I deal with complex questions daily and need quick, intelligent answers. Then, of course, the Microsoft Suite—without Teams, Outlook, and Excel, business simply doesn’t run. I use Excel extensively. Additionally, Visual Studio Code allows me to develop automations that save me a lot of time. This combination helps me work efficiently, optimize processes, and focus on what truly matters. Without these tools, my workday would definitely be much more complicated.
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Contact:
Kloepfel Group
Damir Berberovic
Tel.: +49 211 941 984 33 | Email: rendite@kloepfel-consulting.com